His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the architect of the modern miracle that is Dubai — transforming a city of around 400,000 in the early 1990s into the regional business hub and global tourism destination (population 3 million) that it is today.
An avid Swiss made replica watches collector, who has had personalised timepieces made for him by a number of brands, including Rolex, Sheikh Mohammed could also be credited with firing up the passion of an entire generation of entrepreneurial Arabs who have become enthusiastic, and big-spending, horologists.
This month, high quality fake Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches carrying the signature of Sheikh Mohammed at the top of its dial is being auctioned at the Christie’s Watches Online: The Dubai Edit Sale.
Bidding opens on April 24 and runs through to May 4.
The Royal Oak Ref. 4100BA ‘Maktoum Dial’ dates back to 1980 when the leader was Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates.
It was not uncommon at the time for cheap replica watches to be presented as gifts to government officials and royalty (Sheikh Mohammed is son of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai for 32 years from 1958 to 1990), and often had ministerial insignia or signatures on their dials that make them more valuable to collectors.
The Royal Oak up for auction at Christie’s is particularly distinctive because Audemars Piguet moved its logo from the top of the dial to the bottom to make room for Sheikh Mohammed’s signature.
The 35mm UK luxury copy watches — an increasingly popular size in today’s market — comes in a yellow gold case and bracelet with a golden dial.
It has a pre-sale estimate of $30,000 to $50,000.
Replica Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711 Watches
Lot 33 – If the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711 established itself as the ultimate luxury sports fake watches for sale from the outset when first introduced in 2006, it’s achieved icon status over the past decade beyond watch collectors alone.
The platinum gem-set Nautilus Ref. 5711 models were never featured in Patek Philippe catalogues: they were reserved for Swiss movements Patek Philippe super clone watches’ most exclusive clients.
This particular Ref. 5711/111P-001 sports a bezel set with 32 baguette-cut blue sapphires, and the dial’s 12 sapphire hour markers add to its allure.
Offered in like-new condition, this is a rare opportunity for Nautilus enthusiasts to claim a worthy addition to their collection. (Est: US$500,000-$800,000)
Fake Rolex Cosmograph Daytona JPS Watches
Lot 26 – The Four-digit best replica Rolex Daytona watches is one of the most desirable and collectible wristwatches. Reference 6265 is carved from a block of 18k yellow gold, while the gold and matte black sporty styling provides a striking contrast.
Another interesting and distinctive feature about Reference 6265 is the “Oyster” text below Rolex – it’s quite large and omits the mention “Perpetual”, and the cheap replica watches is manually wound.
At a diameter of 37mm, the watch is eminently wearable on a host of wrist sizes. (Est: US$160,000-240,000)